§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made for international observers to be present for the referendum in Malawi on a multi-party system.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn conjunction with other members of the international community we are prepared in principle to provide observers to the referendum process, subject to the Malawian Government and the Opposition pressure groups reaching a satisfactory agreement on the conduct of the referendum.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to provide assistance on request to the two main opposition political parties in Malawi for printing of leaflets and posters for the referendum on a multi-party system.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have made it clear to both the Malawian Government and the political pressure groups that we shall not become involved in any way in the campaigning leading up to the referendum.
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§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made by his Department to monitor the referendum in Malawi; and what assistance has been provided by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Malawi and the main opposition parties in connection with the referendum on a multi-party system.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI refer the hon. Member to my answer today on the arrangements for observers. We are ready to consider offering financial assistance through the United Nations to support the referendum process under the same conditions.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Malawi concerning the referendum on a multi-party system planned for 15 June 1993.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe referendum in Malawi is scheduled to take place on 14 June. We have repeatedly made clear to the Malawian Government that the conditions under which it is held must be fair and in accordance with internationally accepted criteria if it is to have any credibility with the international community.